From a plot of vines located just near the estate, on the top of the Mont Redon plateau, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige is a blend of 50% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault and other permitted varieties. It’s an outstanding effort that possesses impressive levels of kirsch, dark fruits, spring flowers, caramelized cherries and mint to go with a medium-bodied, elegant and finesse-driven style. Aged all in 500- and 225-liter barrels, it stays Proven?al, elegant and seamless. It should drink nicely on release and age gracefully for at least 10-12 years.

This cuvee was selected by French wine broker, Alain Corcia. It is not subjected to any fining or filtration either after fermentation or prior to bottling. The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige* should turn out to be sensational. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by scents of smoked herbs, grilled meats, spice box, licorice, and abundant red and black fruits. It is full-bodied, moderately tannic, with a chewy texture, and an impressive finish. It should drink well for two decades.An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, a Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284,nd Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400

One would have to go back to their exquisite 1961 to find a Chateauneuf du Pape from Cabrieres as superb as their 1990 Cuvee Prestige. This selection from their oldest vines is superb. But I wonder if the bottling that arrives in America will be as profound as what I tasted in France? This estate has a tendency to zealously filter their wines, stripping them of much of their potential. What I tasted was exquisite. It had obviously seen some new oak given the subtle vanillin, smoky character in the fabulously dramatic, earthy, black fruit-scented, sweet nose. In the mouth, the wine displays full body, exquisite depth and richness, as well as fine grip and focus. This flashy, immensely impressive, velvety-textured wine can be drunk young, but it should easily last for 15 or more years. Importer: Parliament Wines, Atlantic City, NJ.

No Specific Tasting Note